A mother has been charged with murdering her 17-month-old daughter in Dudley, while the child’s grandmother has been accused of allowing her death.
Faiza Hassan, 36, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday charged with the murder of her daughter on April 9, 2023.
She also faces eight counts of wounding with intent, as well as allegations of cruelty towards the girl and cruelty towards another child.
Her mother, Sahra Hassan, 61, of Walsall, has been charged with allowing the death of the 17-month-old and with child cruelty.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Paramedics Called To Castle Hill
West Midlands Police said officers were called by paramedics to an address on Castle Hill in Dudley at around 5.20pm on April 9, 2023.
The baby girl was pronounced dead later that day.
A post-mortem examination established that she had suffered a number of injuries.
Police subsequently launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Eight Wounding Charges
In addition to the murder allegation, Faiza Hassan faces eight counts of wounding with intent.
Police said those charges relate to the period between November 1, 2022, and April 9, 2023.
She is also accused of cruelty towards the 17-month-old during the same period.
A further cruelty charge relates to another child.
Grandmother Accused Of Allowing Death
Sahra Hassan, 61, is accused of allowing the toddler’s death.
She is also charged with cruelty towards the child between November 1, 2022, and April 9, 2023.
Both women appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court on September 10.
Faiza Hassan was remanded in custody.
Sahra Hassan was released on conditional bail.
Both are due to return to the same court on October 9.
Local Man Tells BPI News Of Shock
The case has caused shock locally around Castle Hill.
Speaking to BPI News outside Dudley Central Mosque, a man who identified himself as Mr Hussain said he was stunned when he heard what had happened.
He said he could not understand how such a thing could happen.
When asked whether he knew the family, Mr Hussain said that he did.
However, he made clear that he did not want to become further involved, saying he did not want to get caught up in “all this media malarky” and that he had already said enough.
Police Say Investigation Was Thorough
West Midlands Police said the charges followed a thorough investigation into the child’s death.
The force said: “A mother has today appeared in court charged with the murder of a 17-month-old girl in Dudley.
“Faiza Hassan, aged 36, is accused of murdering her daughter on 9 April 2023.
“We were called to an address on Castle Hill by paramedics at around 5.20pm on 9 April 2023.
“Sadly, the girl was pronounced dead later that day. A post-mortem established that she had died after suffering a number of injuries.”
The force confirmed that both the mother and grandmother had now been charged with multiple offences.
